Native American

Relationships to
Animals: Not Your
"Spirit Animal"
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Indigenous peoples' relationships with animals

are the result of tens of thousands of years of
connections to their environments. The non-
Native concept of "spirit animals" has seen a
recent rise in popularity, in and out of the
classroom. Finding animals they connect with
can be a fun activity for many students.
However, using the concept of a "spirit animal"
while teaching Native American culture
trivializes Native relationships to the animal
world.

In Native American traditions, animals are

sometimes used to communicate the values
and spiritual beliefs of Native communities.
Animals' importance is also evident in the
creation stories of many tribes. Animal imagery
is often used to share family, clan, and
personal stories. We ask that you do not copy
such imagery from totem poles,
pictographs, etc.

Clan and kinship systems within many

American Indian tribal communities reflect
relationships to animals. Each animal carries
history and meaning. Clan and kinship systems
are specific to each tribal community and may
vary widely from one another. We ask that
you do not adopt clans into your classroom.

The story of American Indians in the Western

Hemisphere is intricately intertwined with
places and environments. Indigenous Peoples
strive to be respectful of their environments.
Many believe in thoughtfully honoring the lives
of animals by only taking what is needed. To
respect Native Americans and animal life, we
suggest that your classrooms work to support
your local environments through advocating
for animals and their natural habitats.

Try these culturally sensitive activities

and resources

For elementary students, check out the Tales of

the People book series, available through the
NMAI.

For elementary students, check out Keepers of the

Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife
Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and
Joseph Bruchac. Bruchac has many books on
animals and Native life.

For grades 4–8, check out the NMAI teaching

poster, Lone Dog's Winter Count.

For grades 9–12, use the NK360° lesson plan The

Pacific Northwest Fish Wars: What Kinds of
Actions Can Lead to Justice?

Check out the NMAI Haudenosaunee Guide for

Educators to learn about Haudenosaunee
relationships with the natural world.

Learn about horses in Native American cultures

on the NMAI website, A Song for Horse Nation.

National Museum of the American Indian

National Mall
Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20560

Daily 10 AM–5:30 PM
except December 25

National Museum of the American Indian

New York
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
One Bowling Green
New York, NY 10004

Daily 10 AM–5 PM
except December 25

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